Firefighters recognized at promotion ceremony

Wednesday

Jan 30, 2013 at 4:54 PM

Wednesday was a special day for several Lexington Fire Department firefighters who were recognized during a promotion ceremony.

BY DARRICK IGNASIAKThe Dispatch

Wednesday was a special day for several Lexington Fire Department firefighters who were recognized during a promotion ceremony.About 80 people, including family members, friends, city officials and their colleagues, attended the event at the Lexington Fire Department Headquarters. The firefighters were all smiles as they celebrated their latest advancement in their careers.“Years ago, a person was promoted and even hired if they were a good guy and they would learn the rest as they go,” LFD Chief Phil Hartley said. “Today, those being promoted have taken college courses. They are at least level two firefighters, they hold a fire prevention certificate and they have taken emergency driving classes to just name a few of the classes. Our firefighters of today are far more advanced than those 20 years ago.”The officers who received promotions were Andy Beck, Eric Barker, Jeremy Owen, Kody Baker and Chris Callahan. Beck was promoted from fire company officer II to fire commander (equivalent to assistant chief), Barker and Owen from fire company engineer II to fire company officer (equivalent to captain) and Baker and Callahan from firefighter II to fire company engineer (equivalent to lieutenant).“For one to be promoted in the fire service today is no small task,” Hartley said. “We do not promote out of attrition, popularity or seniority. The fire department has a career ladder process and it is structured so that when an individual has the predetermined education qualifications and experience through tenure, then that individual is ready for the promotion process. The process consists of written tests, fire scenarios, conflict resolutions, pumping and hydraulic tests, just to name a few.”Beck has been with the LFD for 27 years. Hartley said his responsibility will be to make sure everyone on his crew goes home at the end of a shift.“I have had the pleasure of riding on the same truck with him (Beck) and he has taught me a great deal,” the chief said. “If I had to describe this individual, I would use words like experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated and wrap that all up with a passion for being a firefighter.”In their positions, Barker and Owen will supervise a minimum of three people and “are the eyes and ears of that fire commander on the scene,” Hartley said. He said Barker and Owen are “smart, hard-working, loyal and compassionate.”“Their job is pivotal in emergency situations,” the chief said.Baker and Callahan, as fire company engineers, are responsible for driving the fire truck. Hartley explained the fire company engineer is one of the most important and versatile positions in the department.“They have to have a thorough knowledge of their truck, their pump and pumping hydraulics, the city streets and hydrant locations,” Hartley said. “When they are on the scene and their truck is not pumping water, they are involved in fire suppression. When the fire company officer is out, they have to slide over and ride out as FCO for that day. These FCE's have to know how to do it all.”As part of the ceremony, Hartley also announced new hires Wednesday as the fire department has experienced turnover. Lexington's newest firefighters are David Welch, Laura Ryggs, Marcus Jones, Michael Stepp, Justin Sink, Jeff Swart, Mason Marshall, Jonathan Stone and Daniel Loflin.“We have high expectations of them and are fully confident that they will succeed,” Hartley said.Lexington Mayor Newell Clark and City Manager John Gray provided remarks during the ceremony. The mayor congratulated everyone being recognized.“I want to thank you all for your work and wish you continued success,” Clark said.“It's important that you know that this organization values promoting within,” Gray said.

Darrick Ignasiak can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 217, or at darrick.ignasiak@the-dispatch.com.